UCT health dean Bongani Mayosi took his own life‚ says 'devastated' family

28 July 2018 - 16:51
By katharine child

Bongani Mayosi in an operating theatre at Groote Schuur Hospital in Cape Town in 2017.
Image:
Ruvan Boshoff

Top cardiologist Bongani Mayosi took his own life‚ his family said on Saturday.

A statement about the death on Friday of the 51-year-old dean of health sciences at the University of Cape Town said: “It is with great sadness that we‚ the Mayosi family‚ announce the passing of our husband‚ son‚ father‚ brother and uncle‚ Bongani Mayosi.

“Bongani died on the morning of 27 July 2018. In the last two years he has battled with depression and on that day took the desperate decision to end his life."

The statement‚ the authenticity of which was confirmed by family spokesperson, advocate Ncumisa Mayosi‚ added: “We are still struggling to come to terms with this devastating loss. Kindly respect our wishes as the family that beyond this statement‚ we will not discuss or entertain any further questions on this matter.

“We ask that you understand our need for privacy during this difficult time. We welcome you to join us for daily prayers at the family home in Pinelands between 18:30 and 19:30.

“Bongani’s funeral will be held in Cape Town on 4 August 2018. We will communicate further details of the funeral in due course.”

President Cyril Ramaphosa joined the mourning for one of the country’s leading scientists on Saturday‚ saying: “On behalf of government and South Africans as a whole‚ we convey our most heartfelt condolences to his family‚ friends and relatives‚ and the health science fraternity. May his soul rest in peace.”

Mayosi made his name as one of the world’s top cardiology researchers when he discovered the genetic mutation that causes heart failure.

Since 2011‚ Mayosi had been advising Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi on policy and strategy for health research. He had led the faculty of health sciences at UCT for two years.

Born in Mthatha‚ Mayosi was inspired by his father‚ also a doctor‚ to help others. He studied at what is now the Nelson Mandela School of Medicine at the University of KwaZulu-Natal‚ and it was there that he met his dermatologist wife‚ Nonhlanhla Khumalo. He leaves her and their two daughters.